I, Ensor

A face hidden behind a mask, a slightly ominous still life, the colorful Ostend rooftops, they all represent the masterpieces of Belgian artist James Ensor. During his painting career this reformer of Belgian modern art developed a personal style, evolving from realism to expressionism and surrealism. This film by director Paul Haesaerts is a striking portrait of the artist, using Ensors own texts to strengthen the images of his paintings.

Scenes

Biography of James Ensor
This clip shows the course of life of the famous Belgian artist James Ensor by showing photographs from different periodes in his life.
James Ensor, self portraits
James Ensor has painted a lot of portraits, including self portraits. Multiple self portraits by Ensor are shown in this clip.
Ensor painting Ostend
Two important themes of James Ensor’s work are the sea and the coastal village Ostend where he lived. Some of his paintings of Ostend are showed in this clip.
Ensor painting caricatures
Some of James Ensor’s paintings are known as caricatures; he has painted doctors, critics, judges and also himself in a mocking way.
Ensor painting crowds
James Ensor has painted a lot of turbulent scenes filled with people, such as the visitors of the Ostend beach or the crowded Ostend streets.
Ensor painting death
Another important theme for James Ensor’s paintings is death. As this clip shows, skulls and skeletons are often seen in his paintings.
Ensor painting masks
James Ensor is well-known for painting faces with masks. This clip consists of these paintings, containing different types of masks.